Fiction
2017 Algonquin Books
Finished on February 14, 2021
Rating: 4.5/5 (Very Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
Meet Rachel Grossman.
She’ll stop at nothing to protect her daughter, Aviva, even if it ends up costing her everything.
Meet Jane Young.
She’s disrupting a quiet life with her daughter, Ruby, to seek political office for the first time.
Meet Ruby Young.
She thinks her mom has a secret. She’s right.
Meet Embeth Levin.
She’s made a career of cleaning up her congressman husband’s messes.
Meet Aviva Grossman.
The Internet won’t let her or anyone else forget her past transgressions.
This is the story of five women . . .
. . . and the sex sexist scandal that binds them together.
From Gabrielle Zevin, the bestselling author of The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry, comes another story with unforgettable characters that is particularly suited to the times we live in now . . .
I loved this book! The first few chapters had me laughing out loud and I considered switching over to the audio, thinking that would be an even more enjoyable experience, but after listening to the audio sample, I quickly decided against it. I found Karen White's narration annoying and not suited for this particular book, so I continued with the ebook, which I had downloaded when the book was first published.
Young Jane Young is a fast, smart and engaging read and I enjoyed each narrative perspective, but most especially that of Ruby's. Her storyline really brings out the humor, reminding me of the hilarious lines in Be Frank With Me (Julia Claiborne Johnson) and Nothing to See Here (Kevin Wilson). Ruby is one of those young characters who is wise beyond her years and I would have loved another chapter with her.
The book is peopled with flawed but sympathetic characters and the snappy dialogue kept me reading late into the night. I loved Zevin's popular novel, The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry and had high hopes for this book. Not only did it live up to my expectations, but it exceeded them, so much so that I'm tempted to read it again. I might even have to buy a print copy for my keeper shelf. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author and Elsewhere has been on my TBR list for years, so I'll bump it up and hopefully get to it this year.
Highly recommend!
Glad you enjoyed this so much. It's very true how the reader can make or break an audiobook experience.
ReplyDeleteDiane, it was really good! I may just flip through and read a few pages whenever I feel the need to laugh. :)
DeleteEven the blurb is good. I'll look for it!
ReplyDeleteLet me know how you like it, Jenclair!
DeleteI passed on this book when it showed up in my email because I had issues with some of the reviews stating certain things that supposedly happen in it. Glad you enjoyed it so much though, we need all of the laughs we can get. The narrator can make or break an audio for me too so I know what you're talking about.
ReplyDeleteVicki, I wonder if you're referring to the real life story on which this was loosely based. It didn't bother me, but I can understand why you might not want to read it. If you haven't read her previous book, you could always give that one a try. It was also very good!
DeleteThis review has come at the perfect time as I'm just getting ready to start something new. Will see if my library has the ebook available. Thanks, Les!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, I'm glad you were able to get it and that you're already enjoy it so well. Yay!!
DeleteI totally missed this one when it came out. I loved AJ Fikry. I like snappy dialogue and flawed characters too. I think this would be an enjoyable read for me. I am liking these types of books a lot lately.
ReplyDeleteTi, I could reread AJ Fikry right now, it was so good! I hope you can get a copy of this one and enjoy it as much as I did. Let me know!
DeleteI'm so glad to see your thoughts about this one. I think I will look for it. I need something light.
ReplyDeleteDeb, it's certain to wind up on my Top Ten for the year.
DeleteI'm going to get this book right now! Be Frank With Me and Nothing To See Here are two of my favorite books, so I can't wait to read this. I know I've said it many times, but thank you again for your great book reviews!
ReplyDeleteLaurel, I think you'll enjoy it. If you haven't read The Storied Life of AJ Fikry, you ought to give that a try sometime, too. Thank you for your kind words about my book reviews. I used to love to handsell my favorite books when I worked at B&N, so this is the next best thing. :)
DeleteLes, I also loved The Storied Life of AJ Fikry. I'm reading Young Jane Young right now, thanks to you. :-)
DeleteSold! This is going on my TBR list so thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Helen. Enjoy!
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